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Abstract:

Technologies are described herein for providing sensory feedback to users
of microwave oven or other thermal process stream device indicating
operation in an interpretive language architecture mode. An indication is
received through a device data entry mechanism that the interpretive
language architecture mode of the device is to be initiated. Sensory
feedback is provided indicating that the device is operating in the
interpretive language architecture mode and that input data comprising a
predetermined code for interpretation by the interpretive language
architecture is expected. The sensory feedback may comprise flashing or
illumination of specific keys on a keypad of the device data entry
mechanism and may continue through entry of the input data comprising the
predetermined code until completion of the resulting thermal process in
the device.

Claims:

1. An interpretive language architecture controlled process stream
device, the device comprising: a device data entry mechanism for
receiving an externally derived predetermined code; a controller having a
memory, the controller operatively disposed intermediate the device data
entry mechanism and a means for controlling operational features of the
device; an operating system stored in the memory and operative to
orchestrate a transfer of energy through a process stream of the device
to a specimen; and an interpretive BIOS machine and a work manager
integral the operating system and operative to cause the controller to
receive the externally derived predetermined code from the device data
entry mechanism, interpret the externally derived predetermined code,
transform the code into user-independent functional commands for the
device, and initiate the process stream using the user-independent
functional commands, while providing sensory feedback to a user through
the device data entry mechanism indicating that the device is operating
in an interpretive language architecture with interpretive BIOS machine
mode beginning from a reception of an indication that the interpretive
language architecture with interpretive BIOS machine mode is to be
initiated, through entry of input data comprising the externally derived
predetermined code, and thereafter continuing through the process stream.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the indication that the interpretive
language architecture with interpretive BIOS machine mode is to be
initiated comprises an indication that the user has pressed a mode
function key associated with the interpretive language architecture with
interpretive BIOS machine mode on the keypad.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein providing the sensory feedback
comprises illuminating lights disposed behind numeric keys and the mode
function key associated with the interpretive language architecture with
interpretive BIOS machine mode on the keypad, while leaving other of the
keys on the keypad un-illuminated.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the mode function key associated with
the interpretive language architecture with interpretive BIOS machine
mode on the keypad remains illuminated throughout the process stream.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the process stream device comprises a
microwave oven and wherein the specimen comprises a food package.

7. A method of providing sensory feedback to a user of a thermal process
stream device of a current device operating mode for receiving data
input, the method comprising: receiving an indication that a device
operating mode of the thermal process stream device is to be initiated;
providing sensory feedback to the user indicating that the thermal
process stream device is operating in the device operating mode and that
input data specific to the device operating mode is expected; receiving
user-entered input data for the device operating mode; receiving an
indication that the user-entered input data is complete; and upon
receiving the indication that the user-entered input data is complete,
removing the sensory feedback to the user.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the indication that the device
operating mode of the thermal process stream device is to be initiated,
the user-entered input data for the device operating mode, and the
indication that the user-entered input data is complete is received
through a device data entry mechanism, and wherein the sensory feedback
is provided to the user through the device data entry mechanism.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein receiving an indication that the
device operating mode of the thermal process stream device is to be
initiated comprises receiving an indication that the user has pressed a
mode function key on the keypad.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein providing the sensory feedback
comprises continuously flashing lights disposed behind those keys on the
keypad to be utilized by the user for entering the input data for the
device operating mode and continuously flashing a light disposed behind a
mode function key on the keypad associated with the device operating
mode, while leaving other of the keys on the keypad un-illuminated.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the device operating mode comprises an
interpretive language architecture with interpretive BIOS mode, and
wherein the user-entered input data comprises a code associated with a
specimen intended to be interpreted by a BIOS machine and/or work manager
controlled thermal process stream device to produce user-independent
functional commands for controlling the thermal process stream device to
perform work on the specimen.

14. A computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-executable
instructions that, when executed by a controller of a process stream
device, cause the process stream device to: receive an indication that an
interpretive language architecture with interpretive BIOS machine mode of
the process stream device is to be initiated; provide sensory feedback to
a user of the process stream device indicating that the interpretive
language architecture with interpretive BIOS machine mode is active and
that input data comprising a predetermined code associated with a
specimen upon which to perform work is expected, wherein the
predetermined code is intended to be interpreted by a BIOS machine and/or
work manager of the process stream device to produce user-independent
functional commands for controlling the process stream device; receive
user-entered input data comprising the predetermined code; receive an
indication that the user-entered input data is complete; and initiate the
user-independent functional commands in the process stream device to
perform work on the specimen.

15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, further comprising
computer-executable instructions that cause the process stream device to
remove the sensory feedback to the user.

16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein the
indication that the interpretive language architecture with interpretive
BIOS machine mode is to be initiated and the predetermined code are is
received through a keypad of a device data entry mechanism of the process
stream device, and wherein the sensory feedback is provided to the user
through the device data entry mechanism.

17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein receiving
the indication that the interpretive language architecture with
interpretive BIOS machine mode is to be initiated comprises receiving an
indication that the user has pressed a mode function key associated with
the interpretive language architecture with interpretive BIOS machine
mode on the keypad.

18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein providing
the sensory feedback comprises illuminating lights disposed behind
numeric keys and a mode function key associated with the interpretive
language architecture with interpretive BIOS machine mode on the keypad,
while leaving other of the keys on the keypad un-illuminated.

19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the mode
function key associated with the interpretive language architecture with
interpretive BIOS machine mode on the keypad remains illuminated
throughout an operation of performing work on the specimen in the
interpretive language architecture with interpretive BIOS machine mode of
the process stream device.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/380,537 filed on Sep. 7, 2010 and entitled "Safety
Mechanism for Multiple-Mode Devices," which is expressly incorporated
herein by this reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Microwave ovens presently in use may employ various data entry
mechanisms to input data into the thermal process stream or oven control
mechanism. These data entry mechanisms may be electrical and mechanical
keyboards, card readers, light pens, wands, radio frequency detectors, or
the like. The data may be transmitted to a controller of the thermal
process stream. The implementation of the data results in a specimen
within the oven receiving energy to heat the specimen to some desired
temperature.

[0003] A microwave oven may employ an interpretive language architecture
for the seamless transfer of energy to the specimen through a physical,
chemical, or thermodynamic process stream of the oven, such as that
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,198,975. The interpretive language
architecture may receive an indicia, such as an externally derived and
predetermined code, through the data entry mechanism. The indicia or code
may be disposed on the surface of the specimen or food package to be
heated, and entered or scanned by an end user through the data entry
mechanism, for example. The interpretive system interprets the indicia or
code and transforms it into user-independent commands. The
user-independent commands enable the thermal process stream of the host
microwave oven to function over a wide but controlled range of energy
transfer to the specimen.

[0004] Such microwave ovens may be capable of operating in multiple
operating modes, such as a traditional standard operating mode and an
interpretive language architecture operating mode, as described above. A
problem can arise, however, if a user effects data entry through the data
entry mechanism thinking that one mode was enabled whereas, in reality, a
different operating mode was enabled. For example, when the data entry
mechanism is utilized to communicate a simple numeric code to the
microwave oven for processing in the interpretive language architecture
mode, failure to first identify the forthcoming data as intended to be
directed to the interpretive system can result in the data being
perceived by the thermal process stream or microwave oven as standard
input, such as an operating time at full power. This can result in a
thermal process operation far beyond that intended by the end user for
the host or microwave oven, and may result in fire, physical property
damage, end-user burns and injury, or death.

[0005] It is with respect to these considerations and others that the
disclosure made herein is presented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing aspects and components of an
interpretive language architecture for a host microwave oven, according
to embodiments described herein;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an illustrative host microwave oven
data entry mechanism comprising a keypad and a visual display;

[0008] FIG. 3 shows an illustrative illumination of the keypad of the host
microwave during a sequence data entry of a predetermined code intended
for the interpretive language architecture of the host microwave oven,
according to embodiments described herein; and

[0009] FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of one method of providing sensory
feedback indicating that the host microwave oven is operating in the
interpretive language architecture mode and expects entry of the
predetermined, according to embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Technologies are described herein for providing sensory feedback to
users of microwave oven or other thermal process stream device indicating
operation in an interpretive language architecture mode. Utilizing the
technologies described herein, a user of the host microwave oven may be
prevented from inadvertently entering a predetermined code intended for
the interpretive language architecture mode but received by a controller
of the microwave oven as standard input, such as an operating time at
full power. This may avert a thermal process operation from taking place
that is far beyond that intended by the user for the host or microwave
oven, avoiding any potential fire, physical property damage, end-user
burns, and injury that may have resulted.

[0011] While the subject matter described herein is presented in the
general context of program modules that execute in conjunction with the
execution of an operating system of a host microwave oven, those skilled
in the art will recognize that other implementations may be performed in
combination with other types of program modules. Generally, program
modules include objects, routines, programs, components, data structures,
and other types of structures that perform particular tasks or implement
particular abstract data types. It should be appreciated that the subject
matter described herein may be implemented as a computer-controlled
apparatus, a computer process, a system, or as an article of manufacture
such as a computer-readable storage medium. Computer-readable storage
media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable
media implemented in any method or technology for the storage of
information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures,
program modules, or other data, and does not include transitory signals.
For example, computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited
to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory
technology, CD-ROM, DVD, HD-DVD, BLU-RAY, or other optical storage,
magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other
magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store
the desired data structures, program modules, or other data and that can
be accessed by the operating system of the microwave oven or other
computing device. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited
to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part
of this disclosure.

[0012] In the following detailed description, references are made to the
accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and that show, by way of
illustration, specific embodiments or examples. In the accompanying
drawings, like numerals represent like elements through the several
figures.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an interpretive language
architecture 100 for a seamless transfer of energy in a physical,
chemical, or thermodynamic process stream, such as that described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,198,975 entitled "Interpretive Language Architecture for
Controlling the Attributes of a Physical Chemical or Thermodynamic
Process" (referred to herein as "Interpretive Language Architecture
patent"), which is incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.
The interpretive language architecture 100 may be implemented in a host
microwave oven or other thermal process stream device to control the
energy transfer to a specimen or food product disposed in the confines of
the oven or device. According to embodiments, the interpretive language
architecture 100 comprises a device data entry mechanism 102, such as a
keypad, electrical or mechanical keypad or keyboard, card reader, light
pen, wand, radio frequency detector, or the like. The device data entry
mechanism 102 may further provide visual, auditory, and other sensory
feedback mechanisms for providing sensory feedback to the user of the
host microwave oven or device.

[0014] The interpretive language architecture 100 also includes an
operating system that may orchestrate the transfer of energy through the
thermal process stream of the device to the specimen. The operating
system 104 may further include a BIOS machine 106 and a work manager 108.
The BIOS machine 106 may represent a class of objects or modules that
command and control the operational features of the host microwave oven
or other device as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,812,393, which is
incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety. The work manager
108 may represent a class of objects or modules that command and control
work performed or to be performed on the specimen or food product by the
thermal process stream, as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,801, which is
incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety. The instructional
output of the work manager 108 is transmitted to the host process stream
or microwave oven 110 for implementation, i.e., to provide thermal
response to the work instructions.

[0015] As further described in the Interpretive Language Architecture
patent, the BIOS machine 106 may receive an indicia comprising an
externally derived and predetermined code from the device data entry
mechanism 102. The indicia or code may be disposed on the surface of the
specimen or food package to be heated, and entered through a keypad
comprising the device data entry mechanism 102, for example. The BIOS
machine 106 and work manager 108 interpret the indicia or code and
transform it into user-independent commands which are sent to the host
process stream or microwave oven 110 to control the energy transfer to
the specimen. The interpretive language architecture 100 is seamless and
does not rely on preconceived data stored in the memory of the oven,
device, or other computer to implement the work performed on the specimen
through the described process.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary device data entry mechanism 102
implemented in a microwave oven 202. The microwave oven 202 may be any
type of microwave oven that is found in households, restaurants, or
industry to cook food and may be controlled by a microprocessor,
computer, application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), or other
computing device. According to embodiments, the microwave oven 202
incorporates the interpretive language architecture 100 described above.
The microwave oven 202 further includes a chamber 204 or other enclosure
in which the specimen to receive the energy from the thermal process
stream is placed.

[0017] The device data entry mechanism 102 may include a keypad 206
comprising numeric keys 208, function keys 210, and other input keys,
buttons, knobs, or controls that allow a user of the microwave oven 202
to input instructions for the heating of the specimen. The device data
entry mechanism 102 may further include a display 214 for displaying
status and other feedback data to the user throughout the process. It
will be noted that the device data entry mechanism 102 illustrates the
normal operational, darkened or un-illuminated state of a common
microwave oven keypad during data entry and cooking, according to
embodiments.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the process of heating the specimen
through the interpretive language architecture 100 controlled thermal
process stream, referred to herein as the "interpretive language
architecture mode," begins with the user notifying the BIOS machine 106
that a forthcoming input data entered through the device data entry
mechanism 102 is solely intended for use by the BIOS machine 106 and work
manager 108. This may be accomplished by the user first pressing a
special "BIOS" function key 212 appropriately labeled on the keypad. It
will be appreciated that this may also be accomplished by any of other
method well known to practitioners of the art for the purposes of
commencing a particular data entry mechanism or mode.

[0019] According to the current embodiment, the device data entry
mechanism 102, e.g. the keypad 206 of the microwave oven 202, provides
sensory feedback to the user indicating that the device is operating in
the interpretive language architecture mode and that subsequent input
data to be interpreted by the BIOS machine 106 and/or the work manager
108 is expected. The expected input data may comprise the predetermined
code consisting of a number of numeric digits, for example. As shown at
300A in FIG. 3, the sensory feedback may comprise continuously flashing
lights behind the "BIOS" function key 212, a "Start" function key or
button, as well as the numeric keys 208 on the keypad 206, but not behind
any of the other keypad keys. The described sensory feedback is intended
to communicate to the user that (1) the microwave is in the interpretive
language architecture mode and the BIOS machine 106 is awaiting
completion of user-entered input data, and (2) such sensory feedback will
continue until the data input is complete or the user has either pressed
the "Start" function key or button to commence thermal process stream
operation or the "Stop" or "Clear" keys or any such button or key to
clear and end the interpretive language architecture mode.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a sequence of visual states 300A-300F for the
exemplary device data entry mechanism 102 after the "BIOS" function key
212 has been pressed and the microwave oven is in the interpretive
language architecture mode awaiting the user-entered input data for the
BIOS machine 106, such as the numeric code "6 7 8 9." As described above
and shown at state 300A, the "BIOS" function key 212 and numeric keys 208
on the keypad 206 are illuminated or flashing indicating that the BIOS
machine data stream is expected. In addition, the display 214 may further
indicate that input data for the BIOS machine 106 is expected, as shown
in the figure. Visual state 300B shows the device data entry mechanism
102 after the first key "6" in the numeric code has been entered through
the keypad 206. The "BIOS" function key 212 and numeric keys 208 on the
keypad 206 continue to be illuminated or flash. Similarly, visual states
300C-300E show the device data entry mechanism 102 as the input data is
entered through the keypad 206 one digit at a time.

[0021] Visual state 300F shows the visual state of the device data entry
mechanism 102 after (1) the "BIOS" function key 112 has been pressed, (2)
the user-entered data input has been completed, (3) the "Start" function
key or button has been pressed, (4) the user-entered data input has been
interpreted by the BIOS machine 106 and/or work manager, and (5) the
thermal process stream operation has commenced. For example, the keypad
206 may be returned to its normal darkened or un-illuminated state, and
the total thermal process operating time interpreted from the
user-entered input data by the BIOS machine 106 and/or work manager 108
may be shown in the display 214. According to one embodiment, the "BIOS"
function key 112 remains illuminated or flashing until the thermal
process initiated in the interpretive language architecture mode has
ended.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 4, additional details will be provided
regarding the embodiments presented herein. It should be appreciated that
the logical operations described with respect to FIG. 4 are implemented
(1) as a sequence of computer implemented acts or program modules running
on a microprocessor, computer, ASIC, or other computing system in a
microwave oven or other thermal process steam device and/or (2) as
interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules within the oven
or device. The implementation is a matter of choice dependent on the
performance and other requirements of the microwave oven or device.
Accordingly, the logical operations described herein are referred to
variously as operations, structural devices, acts, or modules. These
operations, structural devices, acts, and modules may be implemented in
software, in firmware, in special purpose digital logic, and any
combination thereof. It should also be appreciated that more or fewer
operations may be performed than shown in the figures and described
herein. The operations may also be performed in a different order than
described.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates one routine 400 for providing sensory feedback
indicating that the host microwave oven 202 is operating in the
interpretive language architecture mode and expects entry of the
predetermined code, according to embodiments described herein. The
routine 400 may be performed by the BIOS machine 106 or other module of
the operating system 104 of the microwave oven 202 or thermal process
stream device, for example. It will be appreciated that the routine 400
may also be performed by other modules or components executing on other
computing devices, or by any combination of modules, components, and
computing devices.

[0024] The routine 400 begins at operation 402, where the BIOS machine 106
receives an indication that the process of heating the specimen through
the interpretive language architecture mode is to be initiated. This may
comprise a user of the microwave pressing the "BIOS" function key 212 on
the keypad 206 of the device data entry mechanism 102, for example. It
will be appreciated that this may also be accomplished by any of other
method known in the art for the purposes of commencing a particular data
entry mechanism or mode.

[0025] The routine 400 proceeds from operation 402 to operation 404, where
the BIOS machine 106 or other module of the operating system 104 provides
sensory feedback to the user through the device data entry mechanism 102
that microwave oven 202 or device is operating in interpretive language
architecture mode and that subsequent input data to be interpreted by the
BIOS machine 106 and/or work manager 108 is expected. As further
described above, the sensory feedback may comprise continuously flashing
lights behind the "BIOS" function key 212, a "Start" function key or
button, as well as the numeric keys 208 on the keypad 206, but not behind
any of the other keypad keys, according to one embodiment. In addition,
the display 214 may further indicate that input data for the BIOS machine
106 is expected, as shown at 300A in FIG. 3.

[0026] From operation 404, the routine 400 proceeds to operation 406,
where the BIOS machine 106 receives the input data from the device data
entry mechanism 102. For example, the BIOS machine 106 may receive the
indicia comprising the predetermined numeric code associated with the
specimen or food package to be heated. The routine 400 proceeds from
operation 406 to operation 408, where the BIOS machine 106 receives an
indication that the user-entered data input is complete. This may be
indicated by the user pressing the "Start" function key or button on the
keypad 206 of the device data entry mechanism 102, for example.

[0027] Upon receiving the indication that the data input is complete, the
routine 400 proceeds from operation 408 to operation 410, where the BIOS
machine 106 removes the previously provided sensory feedback to the user
through the device data entry mechanism 102. For example, the keypad 206
of the device data entry mechanism 102 may be returned to its normal
darkened or un-illuminated state. According to further embodiments, the
BIOS machine 106 and/or the work manager 108 may interpret the
user-entered data input and initiate the corresponding thermal process
stream operation. The total thermal process operating time interpreted
from the user-entered input data by the BIOS machine 106 and/or work
manager 108 may further be shown in the display 214 of the device data
entry mechanism 102. According to one embodiment, the "BIOS" function key
112 remains illuminated or flashing until the thermal process initiated
in the interpretive language architecture mode has ended.

[0028] While some embodiments provided herein are specifically described
in regard to a microwave oven used to heat a food package, those skilled
in the art will readily appreciate that the embodiments provided herein
may be utilized in any thermal process stream device that transfers
energy to a specimen energy source along the electromagnetic radiation
spectrum. For example, the embodiments may be used in thermal process
stream devices that employ hot air, ultraviolet, laser light, infrared,
alpha, beta, gamma, x-ray radiation, or combinations thereof. In
addition, the specimens are not limited to food, but may also include,
and not be limited to, painted articles where the paint is to be cured by
infrared or UV light, coatings which may be cured by UV light,
polymerization by UV light, irradiation of objects by radioactive energy
beams, cutting, warming or melting of objects by infrared or laser light,
and the like. In essence, wherever energy is to be directed at an article
through a multi-step or multi-phase sequence (or a single step or phase)
of operations is to occur in a specific operating mode of a the device,
the present embodiments may be employed to provide sensory feedback to
users of the thermal process stream device indicating the current
operating mode and that input data supporting the operating mode of the
device is expected.

[0029] Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have
been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary
embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are
intended to be included within the scope of this application as defined
in the following claims. Means-plus-function clauses are intended to
cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function
and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus,
although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a
nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together,
whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of
fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.